Handicap parking and Houston business compliance to regulations of ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards.

ADA Handicap Accessible Parking Regulations:

When parking is provided for the public, designated accessible parking spaces
must be provided, if doing so is readily achievable.

An accessible parking space must have space for the vehicle and an additional
space located either to the right or to the left of the space that serves
as an access aisle. This aisle is needed to permit a person using a wheelchair,
electric scooter, or other mobility device to get out of their car or van.

A sign with the international symbol of
accessibility must be located in front of the parking space and mounted
high enough so it is not hidden by a vehicle parked in the space. Signs shall be 60 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground surface measured to the bottom of the sign. There
are no ADA requirements or specifications for a painted handicap logo on
the parking pavement.

Accessible parking spaces should be the
spaces closest to the accessible entrance and be located on level ground.
If it is not readily achievable to locate accessible parking in the closest
spaces due to sloped pavement or other existing conditions, then the closest
level area should be selected.

An accessible route must be provided between
the access aisle and the accessible building entrance. This route must have
no steps or steeply sloped surfaces and it must have a firm, stable, slip-resistant
surface.

Van Accessible Spaces must have an access
aisle that is at least eight-feet wide and be designated by a sign with
the international symbol and "van accessible." There should be
a vertical clearance of at least 98 inches on the vehicular route to the
space, at the parking space, and along the vehicular route to an exit. A
Van Accessible Parking Space (1 of 8 of all accessible parking spaces, but
at least one, must be van accessible. Although designated a van accessible
space, cars may use the space too). Provide a parking space that is at least
8 feet wide. There should be at least a 98 inch high clearance at the parking
space, the adjacent access aisle and along the vehicular route to the space
and vehicular exit. Install a sign with the international symbol of accessibility
and "van accessible" and mount it high enough so it is not hidden
by the vehicle parked in the space. Locate parking space and access aisle
so that they are relatively level (1:50 maximum slope in all directions
is recommended if readily achievable) Provide an access aisle that is at
least 8 feet wide next to the van parking space to permit a person using
a wheelchair or scooter to exit or enter a van with a side-mounted lift.

Provide an accessible route to the accessible
entrance to the building - a marked crosswalk may be needed if route crosses
vehicular traffic.

Accessible parking spaces for cars must
have an access aisle that is at least five-feet wide. The other features
are the same as for vans, except that the sign designating the parking space
only has an international symbol of accessibility, and there is no requirement
for a minimum vertical height.

The number of accessible parking spaces
that should be provided is based on the total number of parking spaces that
you provide. (See chart below).

If you provide only one accessible parking space,
it must be a van accessible space. In facilities where more than
one accessible parking space is required, one of eight accessible parking
spaces must be van accessible. Where parking is provided in several locations
near building entrances, the accessible parking should also be dispersed,
if doing so is readily achievable. Since van accessible parking spaces are
provided in limited numbers, it is often not possible to disperse the van
accessible parking spaces.

Locate accessible parking spaces as close as possible
to the accessible entrances and on an accessible route to the building.
Locate parking space and access aisle on relatively level ground (1:50 maximum
slope in all directions).

Location

Accessible handicapped parking must be located on the shortest accessible
route to the accessible entrance. Provide a marked access aisle if person
is required to cross vehicular traffic.

Minimum Number

One in every eight, but not less than one, parking space must be van accessible
with a designated handicap sign and an access aisle 96" wide.

* One in every 8 accessible parking spaces must be a van accessible
space with an 8 foot wide access aisle.

IMPORTANT NOTE: These are the minimum requirements
of the ADA.
State and local government have the authority to adopt and enforce their own
building codes, but must meet or exceed those contained in the ADA. Be sure
to check your state and local regulations before planning or beginning your
project.

Additional (TAS) Texas Handicap Parking Regulations

Location. Accessible parking spaces serving a particular building shall be
located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to
an accessible entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular
building, accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route
of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility. In
buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible
parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.
Accessible routes shall be located so that users are not required
to wheel or walk behind parked vehicles (except the one they operate or in
which they are a passenger) or in traffic lanes.

Parallel parking is discouraged unless it can be situated so that persons
entering and exiting vehicles will be out of the flow of traffic. If parallel
parking is located on a street, driveway, or any other area where vehicular
traffic exists, the space shall be designed and located so that users are
out of the flow of traffic.

Parking Spaces. Accessible parking spaces shall be at least 96 in wide. Parking
access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building or facility
entrance. Two accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle. Parked
vehicle overhangs shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route.
Parking spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding
1:50 (2%) in all directions.

Signage. Each accessible parking space shall be designated as reserved by
a vertically mounted or suspended sign showing the symbol of accessibility.
Van accessible spaces shall have an additional sign "Van-Accessible"
mounted below the symbol of accessibility. Characters and symbols on such
signs shall be located 60" minimum above the ground, floor, or paving
surface so they cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.

Vertical Clearance. Provide minimum vertical clearance of 114 in. at accessible
passenger loading zones and along at least one vehicle access route to such
areas from site entrance(s) and exit(s). At parking spaces provide minimum
vertical clearance of 98 in. at the parking space and along at least one vehicle
access route to such spaces from site entrance(s) and exit(s).

Passenger Loading Zones. Passenger loading zones shall provide an access
aisle at least 60 in. wide and 20 ft. long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle
pull-up space. If there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle
pull-up space, then a curb ramp shall be provided. Vehicle standing spaces
and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding 1:50 (2%)
in all directions.

Texas Handicap Parking Permits

The inclusion of these materials in this web page is a service, not intended
to supplant or serve as legal advice, therefore, reader assumes all responsibility
for confirming the accuracy of these materials and any amendments or repeals
thereof.